From left, Fairclough and Hayles
Nodley Wright, Gleaner Writer
THE APPROACH of the two coaches involved in today's end-of-second-round Wray and Nephew National Premier League final to be played at the National Stadium could not be more different.
For Waterhouse coach Wayne Fairclough, the 5:00 p.m. showdown will be used to send a message, while for Harbour View's Donovan Hayles, it will be more of an opportunity to involve some players, especially defenders.
"We have to show other teams that Harbour View can be beaten and caught and we have to start now," said Fairclough whose team trail Harbour View by eight points in the League.
While no points will be awarded for today's game, Fairclough will be hoping to collect the $165,000 on offer for the winners and leave the $110,000 for Harbour View as well as go into the third round of the competition with a psychological advantage.
NEED TO WIN
"The players understand that they need to win to ensure the psychological advantage going into the third round of the competition. They have said it and it has reflected in training over the past week. The mood in the camp is quite good," explained Fairclough.
While today's game is being used as a launching pad for the third round, Hayles' approach is more physical than mental.
"The end-of-round final is not being seen by the team as a momentum builder. We are going to use the game to get some players into action, especially at the back of the team,' explained Hayles.
William Richards will retain his place in a flat back four. He will be joined in that position by the veteran Clifton Waugh, who will play his first NPL game for the season while Gregory Simpson and Rony Amaguana will cover the wingbacks.
FABIAN TAYLOR RETURNS
Those expected not to feature today are Jermaine Taylor, goalkeeper Ryan Thompson, Donald Stewart, Lovel Palmer, Luton Shelton and Kevin King.
There is expected to be a big buzz, however, surrounding the return of national striker Fabian Taylor, who has been out for close to a year with injuries.
Wholesale changes or not, Hayles is expecting a good show from his players.
?The truth is that as much as we want to win our emphasis is on the Premier League but I think the players will be more pumped up for this final than the first one
They will play with the right attitude as they are competing for a starting place,? Hayles said.
For the game Waterhouse will include all their big guns as both Kevin Lamey and Jomo Gordon are fit and ready to go. Midfielders Demar Phillips, Damion Williams, Irvino English and Weston Forrest are available for selection. New signing Garfield Reid could also be in contention for a place on the left side of the field while Craig White, Roger Rodney and Damion Powell should keep the defensive line tight in front of goalkeeper Maurice Evans.
The NPL game will be preceded by the Under-21 final between neighbours Boys? Town and Arnett Gardens at 2:30pm.
